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SPORTSSaturday 15 August 2015
U.S. men’s basketball looks ready for Rio after minicamp
BRIAN MAHONEY program for a decade to Kenneth Faried, right, draws a foul as he blocks a shot by Stephen Curry, Antho-
AP Basketball Writer others who are just starting Michael Carter-Williams during a U.S. men’s basketball ny Davis and Kyrie Irving
LAS VEGAS (AP) — While their international careers. intrasquad game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Las Vegas. helped the Americans win
many countries are still try- Some won in Beijing and gold in Spain and could
ing to qualify for the Olym- London. Many will have Associated Press be among the players who
pics, the U.S. is already lin- their shot in Rio de Janeiro. carry the program forward
ing up guys to play. Others might have to wait body was going to want to broken leg — Colangelo once James, Anthony and
Not just next summer, but until Tokyo in 2020, but the do it that many times, espe- called it a tragedy — left Chris Paul decide they’re
potentially five summers process for that has al- cially when you’re not get- some wondering if the in- done. Playing in Beijing
down the line. ready begun. ting paid,” Robinson said. ternational experience still was a no-brainer, with the
Firmly perched atop “We don’t only have a pool “But like I said, the culture mattered. U.S. reputation to repair
the basketball world but of players, we have a pool that they’ve created now, In fact, it felt like 2004. But and sneakers to sell in bas-
forever mindful of how they of gold-medal winners. But the guys take a lot of pride in Colangelo’s program, ketball-crazed China. An-
were once knocked off, you still have to bring new in it, they’re taking pride in stability quickly replaces thony said players and the
the Americans took a few guys in because it’s going our country and I just think uncertainty. companies they endorse
days this week to begin to keep going and even it’s fantastic.” “Yeah, it’s come a long are still trying to figure out
their preparations for 2016. if, say a guy would not It just briefly seemed in way,” said former NBA ex- the opportunities in the
And 2020. And way be- make the team next year, jeopardy of weakening last ecutive Stu Jackson, who Brazilian market, but Da-
yond that. he potentially could be a summer. was on the selection com- vid M. Carter, principal of
“We’re trying to build some- star (later). That’s how you A series of player with- mittee in 2004. “And I think The Sports Business Group,
thing that can last forever,” have to keep the culture drawals before the Bas- the structure, the process said the players have an
LeBron James said. going and thank good- ketball World Cup, most with which they pick the advantage with the NBA’s
The Americans didn’t ex- ness that these guys have notably Kevin Durant, and team was a very needed international reach.
actly work hard in this city recommitted each time,” the Americans’ first serious change and we owe that “Combine this expertise
better known for fun. The Krzyzewski said. injury with Paul George’s all to Jerry Colangelo.” with the global stage af-
practices were short and The national team is 75-1 forded NBA players during
light, though it’s not like since Colangelo imple- the Olympics, and each
they have tons to do. Ten mented the program fol- and every one of them
months before picking the lowing the Americans’ should think long and hard
team, USA Basketballchair- bronze-medal finish in Ath- prior to questioning the
man Jerry Colangelo al- ens in 2004. He and Krzyze- value of participating,”
ready says if everyone is wski built something in Carter said. “While risks ex-
healthy, this will be the best which the NBA’s best not ist, they should be deemed
U.S. squad yet. only want to play, but want measured risks where the
Besides, they didn’t re- to keep doing it. upside of participating far
ally come here to do drills. James and Carmelo An- outweighs declining the
They came for moments thony could become the invitation. This is particu-
like the opening of the first first American four-time larly the case for NBA stars
practice, which demon- men’s basketball Olym- hoping to have high-pro-
strated what Colangelo pians. Even Hall of Famer file and lucrative careers
and coach Mike Krzyzewski David Robinson, a Navy once their playing days
have built. graduate and only other are over.”
The Americans posed for a U.S. player to compete in Colangelo and Krzyzewski
team picture, five rows of three, can’t believe how can choose a roster from
about 40 players, coaches much today’s players keep the players here this week
and officials representing returning. and even potentially Kobe
the past, present and fu- “It seemed like interest start- Bryant, who he said could
ture of the program, from ed to wane around 2000 be in the mix for a spot if he
guys who have been in the and 2004. I didn’t think any- earns it.q
Michael Sam leaves
CFL’s Alouettes
MONTREAL (AP) — Michael day. “Because of this I am previous week.
Sam is stepping away from going to step away from The 25-year-old defensive Montreal Alouettes’ Michael Sam is set to make his pro football
pro football. the game at this time.” end, the 2013 Southeast- debut as he warms up before the first half of a Canadian
Sam, the first openly gay The Alouettes confirmed in ern Conference defensive Football League game against the Ottawa Redblacks in
player drafted by the NFL, a release that Sam has left player of the year at Mis- Ottawa, Ontario, on Friday, Aug. 7, 2015.
has told the Canadian the club for “personal rea- souri, failed to record a
Football League’s Montreal sons” and that he has been tackle in Montreal’s loss Associated Press
Alouettes that he is leaving added to the team’s sus- to Ottawa.Sam agreed to
the team. pended list. a two-year deal with the
“The last 12 months have He did not play in Montre- Alouettes this summer. He
been very difficult for me, to al’s home loss to Edmonton left training camp June 12,
the point where I became on Thursday night, with the citing personal reasons,
concerned with my mental team citing a sore back. and sat out the team’s first
health,” Sam tweeted Fri- He made his CFL debut the five games. q
